After Placement of Dental Implants

Home Instructions After Dental Implant Surgery

After dental implant surgery, do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There will be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues profusely, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling apply afrozen gel pack or a plastic bag or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, a 1/2 an hour on and a 1/2 an hour off, for the first 48-72 hours.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

You should begin taking pain medication before the local anesthetic wears off in order to stay ahead of the discomfort. Tylenol can be taken on an empty stomach and is an excellent first choice pain medication. We advise alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen to combat discomfort. The correct dosage for you will be discussed with you at your appointmment. For most adults we recommend to not to exceed 3000mg of Tylenol daily. We recommended the maximum amount of Ibuprofen for most adults not to exceed 2400mg daily. 

For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection. Taking antibitics with food reduces the chance of an stomach upset. 

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Warm salt water rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day especially after meals. Brush your teeth and the healing abutments. Be gentle initially while brushing the surgical areas. If you have been prescribed an oral rinse, start 72 hours post-surgery. The rinse should be used twice daily; after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. 

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking in normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures, should not be used immediately after surgery for at least 10 days, as discussed in the pre-operative consultation.